Conni, this is such an inspiring and remarkable story of strength, growth, and perseverance; there's such air in this story of an appreciation for your own unique journey and a "knowing" deep within that you were more/wanted more - and went for it! Loved it -- congrats truly on your "backward" journey! ;-)

Should I say -- backward -- instead of onwards!! ;-)

BY the way, universities should be emptied out; and we should ONLY fill the classrooms with students who are coming in EXACTLY as you are. I recognize that is idealistic and will never happen...but I need to stress, that there is absolutely nothing more important than the heart and passion of a student who WANTS to learn. It is so incredibly palpable in the classroom...it's the dream of most educators, and we so often get to see that glimpse these days. Sadly, it gets worse with each passing year.

I had my "Conni's" in my classroom...I will never forget them! ;-) Keep up the amazing journey!